Middles The middles are positioned in the middle of the field, between the two Links. The middle seems to be the hardest in terms of defence because it is important to try and ‘shut down’ the opposition. In attack the Middles are often the ones to drive the team forward and getting the team near to the scoring zone. Middles Key Roles Rucking/driving the ball down the field in attack Closing down the defence Middles Physical Attributes Aerobically Fit (usually the fittest members of the team) Fast response and reaction skills High work rate Middles Core Game Skills Knowledge of rucking patterns Good Ball Skills Strong defender Quick organiser Strong communicator Links The Links are positioned in between the Wings and the Middles. The links are the players who often create the opportunities for other players in attack. In defence Links are critical in controling the wings and middles so they are properly positioned and aligned. The Links Key Roles Performing line attack moves and setting up scores Controlling the defensive line Links Physical Attributes Quick acceleration Evasive – a great stepper Great hands Links Core Game Skills Game anticipation Knowledge of line attack moves Ability to find and hit gaps Ability to run into gaps Strong communicator Wings The Wings are the two outermost players, on either side of the field. In attack, they should be near to the sidelines, whilst in defence can move inwards more. Usually the finishers of the team and whom normally score the most touchdowns in a game. Wings Key Roles Scoring touchdowns Defending, not letting the attacking players score outside of them Wings Physical Attributes Fast (usually the fastest members of the team) Reliable ball catcher Good anticipation Wings Core Game Skills Good defender Loud communicator Anticipation for the ball Supportive
Middles The middles are positioned in the middle of the field, between the two Links. The middle seems to be the hardest in terms of defence because it is important to try and ‘shut down’ the opposition. In attack the Middles are often the ones to drive the team forward and getting the team near to the scoring zone. Middles Key Roles Rucking/driving the ball down the field in attackClosing down the defence Middles Physical Attributes Aerobically Fit (usually the fittest members of the team)Fast response and reaction skillsHigh work rate Middles Core Game Skills Knowledge of rucking patternsGood Ball SkillsStrong defenderQuick organiserStrong communicator Links The Links are positioned in between the Wings and the Middles. The links are the players who often create the opportunities for other players in attack. In defence Links are critical in controling the wings and middles so they are properly positioned and aligned. The Links Key Roles Performing line attack moves and setting up scoresControlling the defensive line Links Physical Attributes Quick accelerationEvasive – a great stepperGreat hands Links Core Game Skills Game anticipationKnowledge of line attack movesAbility to find and hit gapsAbility to run into gapsStrong communicator Wings The Wings are the two outermost players, on either side of the field. In attack, they should be near to the sidelines, whilst in defence can move inwards more. Usually the finishers of the team and whom normally score the most touchdowns in a game. Wings Key Roles Scoring touchdownsDefending, not letting the attacking players score outside of them Wings Physical Attributes Fast (usually the fastest members of the team)Reliable ball catcherGood anticipation Wings Core Game Skills Good defenderLoud communicatorAnticipation for the ballSupportive